PRESS: INFMX FOR INNOVATION GRANT TO PROVIDE INFMX PRODUCTS &

INFORMIX FOR INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE INFORMIX PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND NON-PROFITS Menlo Park, Calif (January 7, 1997) -- Informix Software, Inc., (NASDAQ:INFX) the leading provider of innovative database technology, today announced the Informix for Innovation Software Grant Program. The new program provides eligible educational and non-profit organizations no-cost access to Informix's industry leading database technology. Available immediately for all U.S. and international educational institutions, the program grants recipients a one-year product license, which includes software, documentation, updates, support, and training. "Informix is opening a technological gateway to educational institutions by putting the most innovative and cutting-edge technology into the classroom," stated Jeff Hudson, vice president, business development and product marketing at Informix Software, Inc. "The software provided through this program will enable research innovation in even the most complex environments and give students the opportunity to prepare for their future using the latest technology available." "Prior to our Informix grant, we were unable to effectively manage the especially complex data the Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project generates," said Cyrus Harmon, database administrator, the Drosophila Genome Project, University of California, Berkeley. "Due to the support of Informix's grant program, we are now able to use a leading-edge, commerciallysupported database product to drive the collection, analysis and distribution of extremely complex biological data." "Informix has been a key supporter of our new research program in distributed multimedia information management, in the context of our new Integrated Media Systems Center (NSF ERC), and in the USC Brain Project," said Dr. Dennis McLeod, Professor, University of Southern California. "Informix's object-relational database has also been a state-of-the-art teaching vehicle for our large top-level database systems course. This grant program not only gives USC the engine with which to conduct complex research, but also allows students to acquire the skills they need in thework place." "When creating an effective and productive educational environment, gaining access to the latest technology is critical," said Teresa Ehling, Web Manager, The Digital Projects Lab at The MIT Press, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "The Informix for Innovation Software Grant Program forms the bridge which allows educational institutions full use of the industry's leading technology. The program provides one of the best engines for developing new models for Internet driven instruction." The products selected for the program include INFORMIX(r)-Universal Server, INFORMIX-OnLine Dynamic Server, INFORMIX-OnLine Workstation, and INFORMIX-NewEra. Subsequent years of support and training beyond the one-year license are available at a discounted rate. Software provided by the Informix for Innovation Software Grant Program is provided for academic, research, or non-profit use only and is not intended for commercial use. More information about the Informix for Innovation Software Grant Program is available by contacting grants@informix.com. About Informix Informix Software, based in Menlo Park, Calif., provides innovative database technology that enables the world's leading corporations to manage and grow their business. Informix is widely recognized as the technology leader for corporate computing environments ranging from workgroups to very large OLTP and data warehouse applications. Informix's database servers, application development tools, superior customer service, and strong partnerships enable the company to be at the forefront of many leading-edge information technology solution areas. ### (C)1996. The following are worldwide trademarks of Informix Software, Inc., Informix Corporation, or their subsidiaries, registered in the United States of America as indicated by (r) and in numerous countries worldwide: Informix(r), Illustra(r), and DataBlade(r). All other names or marks may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.